Pirates rally for day of giving back

Alumni and friends of East Carolina University proved that the Servire spirit is alive both on and off campus. Pirate Nation Gives Back, the first-ever stand-alone day of service and philanthropy at ECU, was an overwhelming success on March 22 with more than $273,000 raised and hundreds of hours of service reported.
Chancellor Cecil Staton and his wife, Catherine, charted the course with their $100,000 commitment to endow a fund supporting international travel and educational opportunities for ECU students.
“Thank you to Pirate Nation for your generosity in giving of your time, talent and treasure,” said Chris Dyba, vice chancellor for university advancement. “To start the day off with a leadership gift, in all senses of the phrase, was phenomenal. Donor support of ECU’s students, faculty and facilities is key as we strive to be recognized as America’s next great national university.”
Members from across ECU’s community came together not only to raise money but also to support many charitable service activities. Local organizations including the Food Bank of North Carolina, American Red Cross, ECU’s Campus Kitchen and Pirate P.A.L.S. (Peers Advocating for Learning and Success) opened their doors to volunteers and donors. The East Carolina Alumni Association’s Pitt County Chapter collaborated with the City of Greenville Public Works Department for Community Tree Day, planting nearly 100 trees on the new section of the Greenville Greenway. Additionally, the North Carolina Chapter of the ALS Association partnered with ECU Athletics to collect funds at the UNC vs. ECU baseball game that day.
Stand-alone days of giving have become a popular way for universities to gain donors’ attention and financial support. Combining service and philanthropy helps to set ECU apart in a crowded landscape.
“Since East Carolina’s founding, service has been at the heart of our mission, our teaching and how we continue our day-to-day relationship with the institution,” said Dr. Ron Mitchelson, provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Pirate Nation Gives Back is the pinnacle of this philosophy as we seek to serve others, giving of our time, sharing our special gifts and supporting ECU through charitable contributions.”
To learn more about Pirate Nation Gives Back or to donate to East Carolina University, visit www.ecu.edu/give.
 

 
-by Nicole Wood, ECU Advancement